My Bad?

I won't even say what a bad BLOGGER I am, why state the obvious?
It isn't that I don't want to Blog or that I don't have anything interesting going on, I just suck at time management.

We all have health problems and daily life  that gets in the way. Why whine about it. We aren't unique in that respect. But some of us also do interesting things, go to interesting places or belong to interesting groups.

Since I live somewhat isolated , my groups are my social activity and let me tell you, they keep me very busy.
I hope to find time to reconstruct this BLOG and be able to list the groups. Please note that purple button on on the left. That is OUR (mine and Cherie's) Mixed Media Studio. We are no longer a part of CDA, they have moved on to Facebook. We decided not to move our group and stay put on Yahoo, so check us out. WE have 4 challenges a year plus swaps. We also have a Paper Studio(owner-Robyn) that is part of us, but is independent with Challenges and swaps. It is a fun place to visit. No matter what you are into, we are one happy family. So click on that purple button.

I also own Sharing Our Mixed Media Art, also a yahoo group.Norma moderates that group and it is another fun place to visit. I really should get a button for that one as well.

So what have I been doing? I got a bit crazy with swaps. I can't help myself sometimes. Everyone does such fun stuff. I wanna play!!
So here is a peek at what I've been up to:

This was a mini bottle swap. We had to make them into pendants. I put the peacock bottle (yes that is a tiny peacock inside the bottle) on a chain for my partner. Seeds of Hope was sent along with a special

meaning.

  

I received this beautiful captured fairy from Edwina (That was a swap in my SOMMA group)

My altered bottle challenge in My Mixed Media group (Purple Button) That was fun and I get to keep the bottle. Working on another spooky one.
In Art For The Creative Mind we had an Accordion card swap. This was a first for me. As I've said, I'm  not the best card maker. The theme was Roosters.

Card closed and then opened. Cool huh? It was my very best effort so I was happy with it.

ATC's from My ATC-Fun group. Theme was clocks. Loved the bling and the clocks. Hope my partner s liked them.

These ATC's went to the Netherlands. Those antique needle packs have a price of 10 cents. What a hoot!

This Altered match box went to Australia. Guess what the theme was LOL

I had a bonus

challenge in my Mixed Media Studio called Garden art. I made a tippy flower pot totem as well as one ,seen in the background, out of glass vases, goblets, bowls etc. I made two and I'm working on a third. I love them.

This was before the tippy pots were added. That's about it for now. I've made more stuff but I don't want to assault your eyes too much. You may not come back LOL As you can see, I stay busy. It keeps my mind off of other things.
I've gotten some lovely gifts in swaps that I will have to share. But for now...I have to get on with my day.
Wishing you sunshine in your heart today and aways.....

Chain Stay

I have gotten a lot of request for instructions on the Chainstay I created (and hubby made).
I know there are people who would rather make things themselves then purchase one already made.
As for me, I don't mind purchasing something that is made in the USA and has some quality workmanship (not plastic from China). With this thought in mind, I end up making a lot of my own "helping tools"
This is what you will need:

a piece of wood 1X4. The one you see is 16" long because I was experimenting. The one we sell is 10 inches long.

Two pieces of one inch dowel. We use one inch for a reason, thin doweling has a tendency to bend in after a while if you hand too much weight. I want stability. The dowels you see have held weight for weeks and as you see they are as straight as an arrow. Use thinner ones if you like.

Two alligator clips. We have tried different clips, they simply do not work at holding things firmly..if you are worried about marks on a chain just wrap the chain with some tissue paper. I use this thing for more then just a chainstay, so these are the only clips I recommend.

You will need a drill the same size as your doweling . Mine is over kill. The one we sell has 3 holes, 2 to each side one in the middle, just in case you have something real short to hold. For the most part I use the two holes spaced 9" apart.

screw, do not glue your alligator clips to the top of the dowel. WE wrap the bottom of the dowel for an extra tight fit. Not necessary, I just like it better.

That's it folks. measure your board and cut, drill your holes, cut your dowel and add clips, insert dowel and you have the best chainstay. If you'd rather I make one for you, e-mail me at Kangel811@aol.com and you will have it in a couple of days. If you have any questions on making your own, just ask.
Good luck and don't forget to send me pictures of your finished project.